This part of an automobile insurance policy protects the vehicle and is broken down into two sections.

COMPREHENSIVE

Provides protection against the following:

• Theft

• Fire

• Vandalism

• Collision with animal

• Windstorm

• Flying objects

• Hail

• Broken Windows

In summary, comprehensive coverage covers damage caused by anything "Other than collision".

It is important to note that there are exclusions under comprehensive coverage and some of the more common ones are as follows:

• Electronic equipment not permanently installed.  This may include but is not limited to radios, stereos, tape decks, and compact disc players.

• Other electronic equipment included but not limited to CB radios, telephones, two-way mobile radios, scanning monitor receivers, television monitors, receivers, video cassette recorders, audio cassette recorders, and personal computers.

• Tapes, records, discs, or other medial used in conjunction with the equipment described above.

• If the covered auto or non-owned auto is destroyed or confiscated by governmental or civil authorities because you or a family member were engaged in illegal activities.

• A camper body or trailer that is not shown on the declaration page of your policy.

• Awnings, cabanas, or equipment designed to create additional living facilities.

• Radar detectors

• Custom furnishings or equipment in a pick-up or van such as special carpeting, furniture, bars, sleeping and cooking facilities, height extending roofs, custom murals, paintings, decals or graphics.

COLLISION

The collision portion of the auto insurance policy is defined as coverage for "The upset of the covered auto or its impact with another vehicle or object".  In other words, there has to be a physical contact between the covered auto and another car, truck, or object which then causes physical damage to your auto.

Collision coverage covers:

• Damage caused by the upset of the covered auto

• Damage caused by impact with another vehicle or object

The company has the right to choose which of the two following ways it will pay the claim:

• They may give the policy owner an amount that is necessary to repair the automobile or replace the property that was lost.

• The actual cash value of the damaged property or stolen item.  Sometimes people are upset with this method, because the company can deduct for depreciation and adjust for a deteriorated physical condition of your vehicle.

Learn more about choosing auto insurance deductibles and also get some tips.